UPSC 2024: After three failures, Abhishek Singh fought back to finish 78th in his 4th attempt

Time of India

12-05-2025

In a world where one failure can derail dreams, Abhishek Singh's story stands tall as a reminder that perseverance still pays off. A native of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and an alumnus of
IIT Hyderabad
, Abhishek failed not once but thrice in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Civil Services Examination
. But on his fourth attempt in
UPSC 2024
, he cracked the prestigious test with
an All India Rank of 78
.
Far from being disheartened by repeated setbacks, Singh went back to the drawing board each time, refining his approach with calm determination. "Consistency and hard work carried me through the darkest days,' he says, reflecting on the long, emotionally demanding road to success.
An engineer drawn to public service
Though Singh graduated in engineering from
IIT Hyderabad
, he was never interested in corporate careers or coding jobs. 'My heart was always drawn to public service,' he says.
That conviction became the bedrock of his UPSC journey—a decision rooted more in purpose than profession.
His preparation began with a methodical strategy: Rely on
standard sources
, stay syllabus-focused, and track
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
religiously. 'PYQs helped me understand what the exam really demands. They kept me aligned,' he notes.
Writing matters more than reading
UPSC, according to Singh, isn't an exam for rote learners. 'It doesn't just test your knowledge. It tests your
retention, clarity, and precision
,' he says. To master the art of answer writing, he dedicated a full
six months
to focused practice—an investment that paid off during the Mains stage.
'That habit of writing daily not only helped in the exam, but built my confidence too,' he adds.
The game-changing shift to Anthropology
By the time his fourth attempt came around, Singh made a bold move—he ditched Civil Engineering, his initial optional, and switched to
Anthropology
. It was a calculated risk, and one that transformed his scorecard. 'It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my journey,' he says, smiling. With
298 marks
in Anthropology, the optional paper became a deciding factor in securing his top-100 finish.
What Abhishek learnt from failure and meditation
Through three failed attempts, Singh endured not only academic rejection but personal challenges as well. 'I faced multiple health issues. There were moments I felt broken,' he recalls. But instead of spiraling, he turned inward—drawing strength from his parents' dreams, his friends' support, and
Vipassana meditation
, which he credits for helping him stay mentally centred.
'UPSC is not just an exam; it's a
transformative experience
,' he feels.
'Embracing the process made me a better person, not just a better aspirant.'
The power of guidance
As the personality test approached, Singh leaned on structured mentorship to prepare for one of the most unpredictable phases of the exam. He recalls how the mock sessions with his mentor, Shubham Aggarwal of Vidyapeeth IAS didn't just polish his responses—but helped him stay grounded, calm, and clear-headed in the days leading up to the interview.
'On the day of my actual interview, I was feeling anxious. His words gave me the steadiness I needed,' Singh reveals.
UPSC is not the end of life
As Singh steps into the next chapter of his life in public service, his message to aspirants is grounded and clear-eyed. 'Believe in yourself. Be consistent. Stay grounded. And above all, enjoy the journey,' he says.
Singh leaves behind a piece of wisdom only failure can teach. 'Give UPSC your all, but
don't attach your entire identity to it
.
Hard work and luck both matter—but so does knowing when to breathe, reflect, and move forward,' he signs off.
From the mentor's desk
Aggarwal, his mentor, recalls Singh as one of the most memorable candidates he's mentored. 'At first glance, he looked like a simple, small-town boy—a
desi
lad from Jaunpur. But inside that simplicity was
an IIT mind and a fire to serve
,' he recalls.
Describing Singh as 'humble, sharp, hardworking, and full of gratitude', Aggarwal adds, 'He kept his mentors on their toes. He's the kind of student every teacher hopes for.'
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